Summary
TheBorderlandsfranchise is renowned for its diverse cast of characters, and is a champion for representation in video games. From its inception, the series has never shied away from social issues, with the games featuring a wide range of personalities, genders, and sexual orientations.
In particular, the franchise has received praise for itsinclusion of LGBTQ+ charactersthat have helped to normalize queer identities in gaming and give underrepresented communities much-needed characters to relate to. From queer relationships, to characters who challenge gender norms, theBorderlandsuniverse is a shining example of how video games can promote diversity and acceptance. And these areall the LGBTQ+ characters seen in theBorderlandsfranchise.
Updated July 17, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:Pride Month may be wrapping up soon, but for Gearbox’s thrilling looter-shooter, the push for greater representation will continue onward full steam. Despite the franchise dating back a decade and a half, Borderlands has (mostly) aged well, and remained on the cutting edge in terms of both gameplay and various themes. This certainly extends to the memorable, diverse cast that has brought the experience to life.
With the release of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (and the upcominggraphic novels called Land of the Giants), players are reminded of one of the greatest characters — a big reason for Borderlands 2’s unique zaniness and charm. With Tina in the spotlight, and thus far being absent here, we decided to revisit this list of the dynamic LGBTQ+ cast from the BL series. It should be noted that these are confirmed by the writers and/or developers, and not fan theories or speculation.
14Tiny Tina
This zany anarchist was first introduced inBorderlands 2, and she left quite an impression on both fellowBLcast members and players alike. Her hyperactive nature, off-kilter demeanor, and unhealthy childlike obsession with explosives make Tiny Tina one of the most memorable characters in a series rife with great ones.
Despite her dark past, Tina isn’t afraid to let loose and have fun, as conveyed by her frequent quips and bubbly personality. While she’s alluded to a few male relationships (which have been heavily indicated to have been fibs), the lead writer ofBorderlands 2Anthony Burch has set the record straight and said she is a lesbian.
This is also made clear by aBL3mini-boss and member of the Children of the Vault, Sheega, who is revealed to be an ex-girlfriend of Tina’s.
13Athena
Mysterious Assassin
Making her first appearance as an NPC inBorderlands,Athena later returned as a “Gladiator” class playable character inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel.Throughout the game’s various campaigns, Janey makes several flirtatious advances towards her.
Tiny Tina asks whether Athena ever hung out with Janey, trying to imply that they had hooked up, and demands a high-five from her. Athena then confirms a delighted Tina’s theory after a brief period of embarrassed silence by giving her a high-five. InTales from the Borderlands, Athena can be found living with Janey in Hollow Point, as asupposedly retired bounty hunter.
12Axton
An Ex-Dahl Military Force Of Nature
InBorderlands 2, Axton made his debut as the Commando playable character. Due to a writing blunder, Axton had some initially unintended bi-curious dialogue throughout the game. Anthony Burch, the lead writer ofBorderlands 2,had originally written some character-specificreviving dialog where Axton would flirt with Maya.
The character-specific code wasn’t implemented, but the lines were preserved, giving players a slim chance of getting hit on by Axton. Many fans were disappointed that he wasn’t intentionally bisexual. However, to rectify this, in Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, Burch made sure to add some more obvious dialogue and establish that Axton is indeed bisexual.
11FL4K
The Robot Roamer
FL4K first joined the cast of Borderlands inBorderlands 3as the Beastmaster. They area giant, bloodthirsty robot, with a lot of love for their three pets, Spiderant, Jabber and Skag. Not only this, FL4K is also non-binary!
In response to a fan, Sam Winkler, theBorderlands 3’s co-writer, wrote, “Maybe [it doesn’t matter] to you, but I hope you may imagine that it might to some.” Winkler also acknowledged the support of non-binary gamers and allies who pushed for representation in the franchise.
10Janey Springs
Writer By Day, Junk Dealer By Night
Janey first appeared inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, where she can be found managing “Springs' Emporium O Stuff,” a junk-dealing enterprise on Elpis that is situated in Concordia. It is here that she meets Athena and the two develop a romantic relationship. Laney is a lesbian, and frequently makes his disdain for men clear throughout the game.
She later appears inTales from the Borderlands, now living with Athena. At one point, players have the option, as Fiona, to tell Janey that Athena said she loved her. Janey will be later seen packing up to “marry the piss out of her!”.
9Lor
A Dynamic And Overlooked Promethean
Players first meet Lor as an NPC on Promethea inBorderlands 3. Lor was working at a coffee shop before Maliwan launched its assault on Promethea. Quickly finding himself caught up in the conflict, Lor unfortunately had toput off his plans of transitioningbecause of the war.
Players once again meet Lor inNew Tales from the Borderlands, one year after the events ofBorderlands 3, and he has finally transitioned, going by the name “Lor” and using he/him pronouns. Additionally, he has opened up his own coffee shop, which is so successful that Fran is willing to accept drinks there instead of payment.
Moxxi is one of the franchise’s most memorable characters, and has beena staple of the seriessince the very firstBorderlandsgame. Moxxi is bisexual, having expressed interest in both men and women throughout the games.
Moxxi expresses interest in Lilith in theUnderdome RiotDLC, referring to her as “delicious”. She also claims that Maya gives her a “ladyboner” and that she dated Motor Momma before breaking up with her due to her cannibalism. Despite this, she exhibits an equal attraction to men, and is known for her many ex-husbands, including Handsome Jack and Marcus Kincaid.
7Maya
Master Of Magic
InBorderlands 2, Maya is aplayable “Siren” class character. She later reappears as an NPC inBorderlands 3. Maya was raised by the Order of the Impending Storm, the supreme order of monks on her homeworld of Athenas, after it was determined that she was a Siren.
She developed her siren abilities in secrecy until she was an adult, when she began to express an interest in visiting Pandora. Anthony Burch, the primary writer ofBorderlands 2andBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, stated that is that Maya is asexual, and in the games, she has said that she knows nothing about romance.
6Patricia Tannis
Scientist, Archaeologist, And Brainiac
Players first encounter Tannis inBorderlands, a scientist who is both highly intelligent and socially awkward. She makes a “standing offer” to experience her bed while flirting with the vault hunter (regardless of their gender) during her first mission inBorderlands 2.
Under the guise of scientific investigation, Tannis also oddly consumes one of Lilith’s hairs, but this action is interpreted as an attempt at flirtation. There is a voice line inBorderlands 3that suggestsshe and Mad Moxxihad a meeting where Moxxi ‘talked her clothes off’.
5Sir Hammerlock
Hunter And Vault Hunter Helper
Vault Hunters will initially encounter Sir Alistair Hammerlock as the first friendly human inBorderlands 2, where he is trapped in Southern Shelf while researching bullymongs. He’s a rather stylish hunter, dressing in a ragged, yet futuristic version of a Victorian adventurer’s outfit.
He returns inBorderlands 3as a supporting character as the love interest of Wainwright Jakobs, the heir to the Jakobs family name. He plays a major role in theGuns, Love, and TentaclesDLC, where he and Wainwright are planning their wedding. As it happens, the Mechromancer Gaige has a crush on Hammerlock despite him being gay — and she is aware of this fact.
